EU Backs Israel-Lebanon Framework and Hezbollah Disarmament

Caliber reported at 09:21 AZT, 08:21 IDT, that the European Union formally welcomed the Israel-Lebanon framework signed in Washington and backed its call for Hezbollah's disarmament. The EU statement, reported by Caliber and Brussels Times, says Hezbollah disarmament would enable a progressive IDF redeployment, urges implementation through the trilateral Military Coordination Group and ties any lasting settlement to UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Brussels has also approved a 100 million euro package for the Lebanese Armed Forces to help restore state authority and a monopoly over arms. Israel should treat the endorsement as useful only if Europe helps enforce Hezbollah's dismantling rather than pressuring Jerusalem to give up northern security guarantees.